US President Barack Obama has defended plans to use his overriding executive powers to push through changes to the nation's immigration system.
He said Congress had been
given ample opportunity to come up with its own plan but had failed to act.
Republicans in Congress say
such action would be beyond Mr Obama's authority.
His remarks follow media
reports he plans to extend protection from deportation, potentially affecting
as many as five million immigrants.
"There has been ample
opportunity for Congress to pass a bipartisan immigration bill that would
strengthen our borders, improve the legal immigration system and lift millions
of people out of the shadows," he said.
"I said that if in fact
Congress failed to act, I would use all the lawful authority I possess to try
to make the system work better," he added.
"And that's going to
happen before the end of the year."
Mr Obama added that as soon as
Congress passed a bill he could sign, "any executive actions will be
replaced".
But Republicans in Congress
said the president should work with them.
"We're going to fight the
president tooth and nail if he continues down this path," House Speaker
John Boehner told reporters.
Mitch McConnell, the incoming
Senate majority leader, urged the president to "work with us to try to
find a way to improve our immigration system".
Reference: bbc
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